Hoteliers’ Tip for Travelers: Don’t Forget to Tip the Staff

The California Lodging Industry Assn. has a tip for travelers: Don’t forget to leave a few bucks for the hotel staff.

A recent association survey showed the typical guest leaves a gratuity of about $1.59 for hotel employees. Etiquette books aren’t definitive on the subject, but tipping is so inconsistent throughout the industry that the folks at the association thought some guidelines would help.

“We generally advise travelers to recognize key staff members who make their experience particularly pleasurable,” said Anita Kramer, executive vice president of the state lodging association.

The organization recommends $1 per bag to bellhops; $1 to $2 a day for housekeeping and 15% to 20% of the food tab for room service (but check the bill closely because many establishments automatically tack it onto the total).

Tipping may not be appropriate at budget lodgings that provide only the basics, or at establishments where guests get lousy service. But it’s a nice way to recognize hotel staffers who go out of their way to make things comfortable for travelers.

Marla Dickerson covers tourism for The Times. She can be reached at (714) 966-5670 and at marla.dickerson@latimes.com